Rocky II 1979

Janet Maslin, New York Times: Rocky II has a waxy feeling, and it never comes to life the way its predecessor did. Read more

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader: Sylvester Stallone's follow-up to his runaway success of 1976 is a little more threadbare in spots than the original, but it still has some conviction and spunk. Read more

Geoff Andrew, Time Out: Stallone's performance as a Philadelphia saint in a B movie physique leaves you undecided whether to gag or sob, but the final fight sequences make up for it; a full-blooded Hollywood finale reaching giddy heights of cathartic glee. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: Stallone and producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff know from experience audiences love to root for the underdog and have concocted an irresistible final 30 minutes. Read more